What is decarbonisation? – part I.

As we stand at a crossroads in historical development, understanding and embracing decarbonisation may be key to the future of our planet. The main task of decarbonization is to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and climate-neutral world.

What does decarbonization actually mean?

It is the process of reducing or completely eliminating carbon emissions that are caused by human activity. This process is achieved by combined measures to reduce carbon emissions in the activities of individuals or organizations. Decarbonisation differs from climate neutrality in that it focuses on the specific reduction of carbon emissions, while climate neutrality can also be achieved by purchasing carbon credits. Following the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, decarbonisation became a priority, with agreed targets calling for limiting global warming to below 2°C and achieving zero emissions by 2050.

Our common goal is to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide as quickly as possible. This process requires large-scale and incremental changes across different sectors and industries. Although the energy sector is the most visible, other significant sources of emissions include food waste, the cement industry, steel and agriculture.

Why is decarbonisation so important?

The urgency of this process stems from clear evidence of climate change caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially CO2 from fossil fuels. These gases trap heat and lead to increasingly intense climate extremes such as drought, floods, wildfires and powerful hurricanes. These events threaten the environment as well as people's lives, property and livelihood. Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which threatens coastal areas and ecosystems.

In addition to the ecological aspects, the unregulated release of greenhouse gases has profound economic and social impacts. Supply chains, agricultural productivity and water availability are under pressure, leading to food insecurity, displacement and competition for limited resources. These disruptions can threaten decades of economic progress and deepen global inequalities.

Decarbonisation is a viable way to deal with these challenges. By transitioning to a low-carbon global economy, we can try to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and thereby slow down global warming and limit its most serious consequences. This transition includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and researching innovations in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

In addition to preventing ecological disaster, decarbonization also offers an opportunity to promote economic growth through the development of green technologies and sustainable industries. Investments in renewable energy sources not only reduce carbon emissions, but also create new jobs, stimulate technological progress and contribute to energy independence.

The importance of decarbonisation goes beyond environmental protection. It is a comprehensive approach that responds to the various challenges brought about by climate change. By committing to decarbonisation, we have the chance to protect our planet for future generations, promote economic stability and contribute to a fairer society. It's time to act. Postponing the decision will only worsen the consequences and make them irreversible. (Co2AI)